Geographic & Demographic Peculiarities

Covering over 520 km², Udumbanchola lies in Kerala’s high ranges, with elevations reaching above

1,200 m around Nedumkandam and Rajakumari. The terrain includes valleys, dense forests, tea

estates, and spice plantations.

Population is 100% rural with no urban pockets. SC voters comprise around 9–9.6%, ST about

1–1.3%. Literacy stands at approximately 92–95%, and voter turnout typically exceeds 73–79%. The

electorate is nearly evenly split gender-wise, with slight female advantage in registration.

Employment Patterns & Economic Strata

Udumbanchola’s economy is rooted in high-range agriculture and agrarian livelihoods:  Plantation agriculture dominates: tea, spices (cardamom, pepper), vegetables, and small-

scale farming in upland villages such as Nedumkandam and Rajakumari.  Inland fisheries and livestock rearing are supplemental in valleys and streams.  NRIs and remittance income support many households—especially SC families and small

landholders.  Small businesses and trade exist in market centres like Nedumkandam, including shops,

vendors, vegetable and spice markets.

The middleincome strata forms the majority—comprising small farmers, plantation workers,

remittance-dependent families and service sector employees. There is a significant BPL population

among landless farm workers and small-scale laborers. Highincome households are fewer and

usually include large estate owners or successful traders.

Recent Development Activities  Rural infrastructure upgrades under district development programs have funded road

widening, bridge repairs and improved connectivity between hill settlements like

Karunapuram, Nedumkandam, Pampadumpara, and Vandanmedu.  At Nedumkandam town, sanitation and civic amenity upgrades—including drainage,

playgrounds and streetlighting—are underway as part of local body efforts. Residents have raised concerns about land subsidence and environmental fragility in areas

like Ramakkalmedu and Pampadumpara, prompting locals and ecologists to seek stringent

soil conservation and zonal planning measures.  Higherorder policy scrutiny continues over climate impact on agriculture, with government-

led support in providing crop insurance, soil stabilization programs and livelihood

diversification grants emanating from Idukki District administration initiatives.

Udumbanchola Assembly Constituency typifies Kerala’s high-range life: tea-laden hills, hardy

farming communities, a strong rural identity supported by remittances, and rich biodiversity. With a

majority middle-income electorate, high civic participation, and recent investments in infrastructure

and climate-resilient planning, development is proceeding—albeit cautiously—toward more

resilient, inclusive growth in the hills.